Premera Blue Cross’ quest to become a for-profit insurer returns to the courtroom Nov. 7. That’s when the state Court of Appeals will hold the first hearing since Premera appealed the state insurance commissioner’s rejection of the nonprofit company’s conversion plan in July 2004. With headquarters in Mountlake Terrace, Premera argues that becoming a for-profit company would help it improve patient services.
Ultrasound sales grow for SonoSite
Bothell’s SonoSite Inc., which makes hand-held ultrasound systems, said its third-quarter sales grew to $34.8 million, 20 percent above the same period of 2004. The company’s net income stayed steady, compared with the same period last year, at $1.4 million, or 9 cents a share.
Losses increase at Bothell’s Eden
Eden Bioscience Corp.’s plant enhancement products generated net sales of $343,000 during the third quarter, down 7 percent compared with the same period of 2004. The company lost $4.5 million, or 18 cents a share, during the quarter, compared with $1.9 million last year. The latest loss included a one-time $2.3 million charge related to a terminated lease.
TV show costs Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter loss widened from a year ago, as charges associated with its reality prime-time TV show offset a solid rebound in advertising revenue in its publishing division. Shares tumbled $3.23, or 15.2 percent, to close at $17.97. For the three months ended Sept. 30, Martha Stewart Living lost $26.07 million, or 51 cents a share, compared with a loss of $14.97 million, or 30 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Computer, Net use still rising in U.S.
Computer and Internet use is up, but so are concerns about identity theft and other online dangers. Fifty-five percent of American households had access to the Internet at home in 2003, more than triple the percentage in 1997, according to a report released Thursday by the Census Bureau. In Washington state, the numbers are 71 percent with home access and 62.3 percent with Net hookups. School-age children are most likely to use home computers to play games or do schoolwork. Adults are most likely to use home computers for e-mail, to search for information about products and services, and to read news, weather and sports information.
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